Initiating a Global Council.

• Author: Panitchpakdi, Supachai
• Position: Brief Article

SHIFT FOCUS FROM DOMESTIC TO DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

Globalization has brought on winds of interrelated change, be it political, social or technological. As given markets are being globalized at a greater speed, the expectation is high for the United Nations to do even more for the poor who are adversely affected by new global changes.

To combat poverty in the new century, a global approach is a must and perhaps it is the only possible way that can effectively manage resources for the poor throughout the world. Each nation will surely face limitations in its response to the changing economic structure which is substantially and rapidly influenced by external forces.

The United Nations can step into the limelight and be at the forefront among international agencies that have concerns over the future of the international community and want to see greater peace and prosperity. From a global perspective, one may seek global action in efforts in tackling the world problems.

There are three fronts.

First, for the sake of world development, more cooperation is to be encouraged from key leading developed economies. This requires leading economies to shift their focus toward world development issues and less on domestic issues, though the former might not be politically attractive at all. Governments of those countries may have to be very far-sighted and receive fullest support from people who come to their realization on development needs at the global level.

Second is to campaign for collaborative works among developing economies which are going through, on their own, hardships exerted by the global changes. Developing nations are not materially wealthy enough to extend offers to their friends. These economies often times suffer from similar economic problems and income constraints, and many can get trapped in the crisis at the same time.

Third is to urge global institutions to go beyond their regular practices with coherent actions for the group as a whole. It is crucially challenging for these institutions to get together and work more closely, sharing more similar great ideas.

Although coherent actions can take at least three forms, the United Nations itself can have a leap forward and become a focal point in alleviating world poverty. For the past few decades, UN-affiliated agencies have accumulated extensive development experiences, both in terms of constructive ideas and fruitful practical activities. What we may expect next from the United...